Tired of the scorching temperatures of the Arabian Gulf? Want to cool off this summer and experience lower temperatures? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best holiday destinations on every continent for exactly that. So, chill out and take your pick.

1. Machu Pichu, Peru

As it’s one of the wonders of the world, the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu is a site to behold. With its awe-inspiring location, it is the most spectacular archaeological site in all South America. Travel back in time and trail the ancient valleys in this misty and mysterious land.Visa requirement: apply at Peruvian EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR8,800Expected temperature: -3°c (July)

3. Ushuaia, Argentina

If you’re really looking for a unique skiing trip, the mountainous region of Patagonia is the perfect haven. This resort town on Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego is close to the Arroyo Grande grasslands, the Castorera, the Chico River waterfall, and, most importantly the famous Cerro Castor ski resort.Visa requirement: apply at Argentinian EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR9,300Expected temperature: -1-2°c (August)

4. Kathmandu, Nepal

Photo Credit: brightsuntravelonline.wordpress.com

This historic city lies beneath the Himalayas and if you’re the active type then you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking tours. Visit the ancient temples, fascinating villages and mingle with the welcoming locals for an unforgettable trip.Visa requirement: apply at Nepalese EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR1,500Expected temperature: 19-22°c (July-August)

5. Ilulissat, Greenland

Visitors can embark on week’s walking tour through the secluded icebergs, glaciers, and rivers with helicopter rides between each location. If you just want to chill, check into the Hotel Arctic and stay in a luxury igloo on the edge of the fjord.Visa requirement: apply at Danish EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR18,500Expected temperature: 5-8°c (June-August)

6. New Hampshire, US

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire offers a cool summer climate that make outdoor activities less sweaty and more fun for families. Soar through the cool air and enjoy the view on a zip line or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway and take in the scenery on your way to the top of New England’s highest peak – and wear layers – it will be cold at the summit!Visa requirement: apply at VFS GlobalAverage flight cost: SR2,300Expected temperature: 20-23°c (June-July)

7. Vancouver, Canada

Metropolis meets nature with eagles whirling overhead as you gawp at the sunset framed beaches in a backdrop of mountain diorama from Stanley Park’s breathtaking seawall. An ideal city break with plenty of natural charms.Visa requirement: apply at Canadian EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR2,200Expected temperature: 16-19°c (June)

8. London, England

If you’re a fan of wet weather mixed with some sun and wind then look no further than London where you can experience all four seasons in the space of an hour. Visit the historic sites and excellent museums in the British capital and shopaholics are recommended to hit the West End.Visa requirement: apply at British EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR1,300Expected temperature: 14-22°c (June-July)

9. Cape Town, South Africa

With the traditional summer months coinciding with their winter, Cape Town is a wonderful place to cool off. You can seek out the flora, fauna and wildlife, visit the pristine white beaches or combine the two with Boulders Beach, home to colonies of African penguins waddling about on the rocks.Visa requirement: apply at South African EmbassyAverage flight cost: SR1,600Expected temperature: 6-8°c (August)

10. Stockholm, Sweden

Have I gained your trust yet? Well, it might just be a case of Stockholm syndrome and that’s handy as this is our next summer getaway. Enjoy swimming in the fresh water in the Swedish capital or sail on a ferry between islands and explore the plethora of activities on offer throughout the Scandinavian city.Visa requirement: apply at VFS GlobalAverage flight cost: SR2,300Expected temperature: 15-19°c (July)

11. Auckland, New Zealand

Explore the largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix from bungee jumping, kayaking or sailing.Visa requirement: none requiredAverage flight cost: SR3,700Expected temperature: 8-12°c (June-July)

Are you not entertained?

If you find yourself at a loose end in the next couple of months then we have just what you need. Here is a range of activities to keep the old, young, sporty and artistic among us occupied with a fun-filled summer.

Go Fishing

Sitting on the mouth of the Red Sea, it would be almost criminal to not utilize our amazing seabed for a bit of fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an angling novice, try it out and you’ll be hooked!

Once you are, you can join the Jeddah fishing club where you can meet other enthusiasts and share your passion for the sport and the best locations to find your ideal catch. If you want to learn how to fish then the team at Treble Hook will be happy to put you through your paces with a number of experiences including deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and trolling. You can take your pick of packages (ranging from SR 2,250 – SR 3,500) online at fishfishme.com. Seas the day!

Dive!

Need some more vitamin sea? Jeddah has some of the best access to the sea for shore diving.

The general price is SR 300 per trip including food and drink. The trip will usually last for 10 hours with a barbecue in the afternoon. Don’t forget that you will need to take ID along as the captain will need to hand this in to the coast guard so you can be at one with the beautiful creatures of the deep blue sea.

Hit the Beach: Obhur

If you haven’t had enough of the seaside then take a trip to Obhur’s amazing open beach where you can sunbathe to your heart’s content, play a bit of volleyball, have a family barbecue or pop into the Sheraton Red Sea Resort where you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa.

Fish and Aquariums

Bored of fish and the ocean? Didn’t think so! Head on down to Fakieh Aquarium where you can be entertained ­­­­­­­­­­- yet educated – up-close with hundreds of aquatic creatures. Families can also enjoy the impressive dolphin and sea lion show every day.

The dolphin show is a must-see. Open every day from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Fridays. Make sure you keep a note of the dolphin and seal shows scheduled every day for 1pm, 7pm and 9pm and plan around this time. There’s free Wi-Fi too.

Knock the Pins Down

The competitive among you will be able to keep those juices flowing through the hot summer months without melting outside. Get your nearest and dearest together and check out Jeddah Lanes bowling alley. If you get tired of whooping your friends at bowling then switch over to billiards, table tennis or the arcade area. This can be thirsty work so you can replenish yourself at the snack bar.

Jeddah LanesEmail: jeddahlanes@yahoo.com

Skate and Sway On Ice

Looking to cool off but keep moving at the same time? Al Shallal Theme Park, at the end of Sari Street, has the largest ice rink in the city and it’s a brilliant place for a group to go out and chill (pun intended). Book a VIP booth that overlooks the skating rink for the best experience. If you want to avoid a crowd, go during the week.

Tel: +966-12-6063993
Web: alshallal.com.sa

Atallah Happy Land Theme Park

Running for the past 30 years, Jeddah’s biggest theme park is the perfect treat for the whole family. With rides for all age groups, it has indoor and outdoor games and an action zone for the especially energetic. Make sure you take a ride on the big wheel for an amazing view of the sea. The park is open from 5 p.m. everyday but closes at midnight from Friday to Tuesday and 2 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Location: CornichePrices: SR 25 – SR 50

Pets and Plants: Fayfa Garden

Fayfa Garden is a lovely play area and mini zoo with monkeys, snakes, exotic birds and cute puppies too. The plants on show at the garden are extraordinary so if you ever find yourself on Tahlia Street with time to kill, remember we told you all about it. Some of the animals on show are also on sale to visitors and their gift shop has some quirky gardening items. Take the kids along too; there are small rides to keep them amused if they get bored of the wildlife on show.

Tel: +966-12-6695669Email: fayfajed@gmail.com

Art Galore

Next up is Darat Safeya Bizagr where you can learn to draw and take a look back through the history of the kingdom through this Jeddawis’ exquisite art. Enjoy the fantastic exhibitions in every medium from oil to watercolor and see real traditional costumes and body adornments on display. The gallery also hosts sporadic visiting exhibitions featuring works of local and international artists you need to contact them before visiting.